Willing and eager to do something; showing speed and enthusiasm in responding or acting.
From Latin 'alacritas' meaning liveliness and eagerness, from 'alacer' (lively, brisk). The word entered English in the 17th century to describe someone quick and willing in their actions.
The Romans used 'alacritas' to describe soldiers who rushed into battle—it's enthusiasm combined with speed! We've mostly replaced this with 'alacrity' today, but 'alacritous' captures that rare sense of both willingness AND quickness.
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